FC Dallas re-sign former EPL target John to multi-year deal

Out-of-contract center back George John has penned a new contract with FC Dallas on Tuesday, extending the 25-year-old's stay in Dallas which started back in 2009 when the club drafted him 14th overall in the 2009 SuperDraft.

“I am extremely happy to have George John resign with FC Dallas for multiple years,” said head coach Schellas Hyndman in a club statement. “George has developed into one of the premier center backs in Major League Soccer. Moving forward, his leadership qualities will be very important to the success of FC Dallas.”

John battled injury in 2012, but still managed to play in 23 matches in a season that started with a two-month loan at West Hamn United in England. The English club was not the first to show interest in the University of Washington product. Former EPL side Blackburn Rovers also came calling a year earlier although that transfer deal ultimately fell through.

The center back is widely considered in the group of defenders on the cusp of the US national team. His Greek background also earned him a call-up to train with the Greek national team in the lead-up to a match played in New York City in June 2011.